Wedding Day Photo Checklist: What to Expect at Every Point in the Day
Your wedding day will be a whirlwind of emotions and activities. From the moment you wake up to the time you say goodbye to your guests, there will be so much happening.
You'll want to remember every minute, so I'm sharing an idea of the kind of photos you can expect from getting ready to partying the night away! I also share a few of my top tips along the way...
Getting Ready
When I first arrive, I'll ask a bridesmaid or family member to help me locate all of your items for your 'details' shots. This is all the things you've spent time choosing to make your big day perfect, from your dress to flowers to jewellery, rings, and other accessories.
As you and your bridal party get ready, it's also a great time for relaxed photographs of you enjoying this time. You can expect photos of your hair and makeup being done, natural candid moments with your bridesmaids and family, and their first looks when they see you in your dress.
Top tip: Aim to be dressed and ready approximately 30 minutes before you need to leave for your ceremony. This leaves time for photos before you depart, and will also mean there's less panic if you are running slightly late.
The Ceremony
Once you've arrived for your ceremony you can expect photos of yourselves but also your guests. Walking down the aisle, exchanging rings and your first kiss as a married couple are all moments that will be captured forever.
Once the ceremony is over, you may exit to confetti, which is always a perfect moment for natural photos. At this point, I'll also capture candid photos of your guests congratulating you.
Top tip: If you'd like a fantastic shower of confetti, it's worth purchasing a few confetti cannons.
The Portraits
After the ceremony, it's time for any group photos. This is a great time for photos with your parents, grandparents, and siblings, as well as any key groups of friends. I aim to keep these as natural as possible.
Top tip: Remember you don't have to include everyone in a group photo! For most weddings, I'm with you for a minimum of five hours, which is plenty of time to capture candid images of the majority of your guests - aim to keep group photos to your closest family and friends only.
I usually suggest about 20-30 minutes for your group photos, depending on how many you wish to have.
At this point in the day, it's also the perfect time for relaxed photos of the two of you as newlyweds! Again, I suggest allowing around 20-30 minutes for these. I'll often take you somewhere away from your guests (ideally they'll be enjoying drinks and canapés).
Top tip: I'm often asked how much time you should leave between the end of your ceremony and sitting down for your meal. I recommend a minimum of 90 minutes. This allows 30 minutes for groups, 30 minutes for photos of the two of you, and 30 minutes to enjoy your drinks reception. Which brings me on nicely...
Drinks reception
During your drinks reception, I'm focusing on capturing candid photos. You can expect natural photos of your guests mingling and enjoying themselves. These natural moments tend to be some of my favourite photos of the day! I'm listening out for laughter and scanning the room for memorable moments to capture.
Top tip: Ask your venue to bring some drinks and canapés out to you whilst we're taking photos, it will keep hunger at bay and also mean you get to try the food, so when you get back to the reception you can enjoy mingling with your guests.
I don't usually photograph during the wedding breakfast (as will be the case for most wedding photographers); photos of people eating are rarely flattering, it's also a good point for me to change batteries, check images from the day so far and also get some refreshments myself.
Speeches
Wedding speeches can be some of the most memorable moments of your day. They are natural, candid and full of emotion. As your photographer, I will be focusing both on your own reactions and those of your guests, whether it's laughter or tears.
Top tip: Consider whether you'd like speeches before or after your meal. There are pros and cons to both. Before the meal means you can get them out of the way and enjoy your dinner without any nerves; however, it does keep everyone waiting to be fed and sometimes venues aren't keen as they can't predict exactly how long speeches will be and therefore when they need to have the starters ready. After the meal means you've had a few drinks and everyone's more relaxed, but if you're nervous it does prolong that anticipation!
Cake cutting
Cutting the cake is traditionally a key part of the day. Often it will be just before your first dance and signals the start of your evening reception. I'll be capturing all of the action as you cut the cake and share your first slice!
The First Dance
Once the formalities are over, it's time to party! I'll be aiming to capture some fun and lively photos. Your first dance is a special moment that you'll want to remember forever. Then the focus is on dancing, laughing, and celebrating with your friends and family - these are the moments I'll be capturing to be remembered long after your wedding day is over.
Top tip: Consider whether you want to choreograph or freestyle your first dance. Also think about whether you'd ike your band or DJ to ask friends and family to join you on the dancefloor halfway through the song.
Hopefully this has given you an idea of what you can expect throughout your day. All my standard packages include a pre-wedding meeting with practice shoot, meaning we'll go through the timings of your day and I can note any special photographs you'd like at any point in the day.
To find out more about wedding photography, please visit my 'about weddings' page.
Julie & Jonathan's winter wedding at the Windsor Guildhall and Castle Hotel Windsor
Yesterday was my last wedding of 2021 (the busiest year for weddings I've known since I began my career in photography!) and what a fab one to end the year on, at one of my favourite venues - Windsor Guildhall and The Castle Hotel.
Julie & Jonathan chose the Windsor Guildall as their ceremony venue as it has a special place in Jonathan's family history, so there were some very touching moments. They say that couples that laugh together stay together, so these two are destined for a long and happy life of wedded bliss. Their day was full of smiles and laughter, including some lovely vows that were both amusing and romantic at the same time!
With guests dressed in black tie and evening wear, they all looked super glamorous in sequins and bow ties. After a drinks reception at the Guildhall, they headed to the Castle Hotel for their wedding breakfast and to party the night away.
Huge congratulations to you both, it was such a privilege to capture your special day.
Ceremony & drinks reception venue: Windsor Guildhall
Reception venue: The Castle Hotel
Flowers: Luxe Flowers
Jill & Paul's Berystede wedding | A perfect rainy day venue
As the registrar joked during Jill & Paul's ceremony, "only fools rush in", and so it was that after 18 years together (and more than a year later than originally planned due to Covid) that they said their vows. In a touching ceremony, their son walked Jill down the aisle, and instead of 'giving her away', officially 'brought her in' to the family.
They say that couples that laugh together, stay together; so these two clearly have a long future together. Their wedding day was full of giggles and smiles, despite the rainy weather.
Only my third wedding in seven years of being a wedding photographer where it has literally rained non-stop all day. However, if you had to choose a venue for a rainy day, the Berystede would be an excellent choice. With lots of lovely corners for wedding photos, and with the conference rooms looking gorgeous with twinkly lights, it made for the perfect photography backdrop.
Thank you both for choosing me to capture your big day, it was an absolute pleasure to be a part of it.
Becky & Dan's Windsor Guildhall and Castle Hotel wedding (including a mini tour of Windsor town!)
It was such a pleasure to photograph Becky & Dan's wedding this weekend. It was my sixth wedding at the Guildhall this year, but the first one with a full complement of guests - it was so so lovely to see the Guildhall full of smiling faces again since lockdowns, Covid and micro weddings.
This lovely couple have waited more than a year for their postponed wedding and were so happy to finally tie the knot. They chose Windsor after getting engaged outside the castle, so it has a special place in their hearts. We did a little tour of my favourite spots in Windsor for photos, including a stop at the Castle to recreate their engagement shot.
There were some lovely touches marking the joining of their Welsh and Scottish families, including a piper leading the bride down the aisle, and tables named after Welsh and Scottish foods.
Wishing you both every happiness for the future - thank you for asking me to capture your special day!
It was lovely working with the following suppliers at this gorgeous wedding:
Ceremony venue: Windsor Guildhall
Reception venue: The Castle Hotel
Hair & makeup: Rosie Scott
Flowers & decor: Seventh Heaven
Piper: Cliff Hall
Videographers: Press Play
Cake: Lola's Cupcakes
Band: Daft
Barns, buildings and the Bluesmobile - Jodie & Tom's unique handmade wedding
Well over a year after it was originally planned, after changes of dates and a change of venue, Jodie & Tom finally got to tie the knot last week. It was a really unique day with some thoughtful homemade touches (Jodie is an artist and it totally showed!).
The Chiltern Open Air Museum was a new venue for me, full of rustic charm. One of the guests described the museum as a kind of sanctuary for old buildings - where they go when no one else wants them. With a choice of barns, as well as a gorgeous tin chapel, not only does it give you plenty of choice for your ceremony, but there are also some amazing photography backdrops.
The rings were brought into the ceremony by the cutest page boy, AKA "Ring Security", presented in a case and held in place by Thunderbirds figures. The Thunderbirds also made an appearance on the groomsmen's buttonholes - all from Tom's childhood collection.
Then there was the Bluesmobile - how can you not recreate the iconic Blue Brothers shot when you have that car to play with?!
When you proposition your bride with "now tell me if you not up for this, but I was thinking..." and she replies that she'll happily try anything for a great shot, it makes a photographer's heart sing. Thank you so much Jodie for humouring me when I asked you to climb gates and sit on the bonnet of the car (and huge thanks to Ben, owner of the Bluesmobile who barely batted an eyelid when I asked if the happy couple could climb onto his car)! It was an honour to be a part of your day and to capture the memories for you.
A relaxed summer wedding at the Great House in Sonnning
Another glorious summer weekend and another lovely couple who've been so patient waiting for their wedding, postponed from last year. It was a wonderful relaxed day for this gorgeous pair along the river in Sonning at The Great House. The sun shone and they were both so happy surrounded by their family and friends. Wishing you both huge congratulations!
Vicky and Jack's wedding at the Runnymede (finally... fourth time lucky!)
It was fourth time lucky for Vicky & Jack on Saturday. We first met three years ago when they originally booked me for a wedding last summer... then Covid.
They have postponed several times and been so patient, I don't think they could actually believe it was finally happening. In fact, at one point, I showed Vicky a photo on the back of the camera and she commented 'wow, I actually look like a proper bride in a proper wedding photo'.
It was a lovely relaxed day with family and friends at the Runnymede on Thames, and such a pleasure to (finally!) be a part of. Wishing you both huge congratulations!!
It was lovely working with the following wedding suppliers:
Venue: Runnymede-on-Thames
Hair & make-up: Abbey Javes
Flowers: Kelly Atwood Floral Designs
Cake: Iced Innovations
Lucy & David's Garden Party Wedding
I was so happy for Lucy & David when they were finally able say 'I do' on Saturday. They had originally planned to marry the same weekend in 2020, but lockdown and Covid restrictions forced them to postpone. Their patience paid off and it was a beautiful day for their garden party wedding in Dorney near Maidenhead. They could not hide their happiness at being finally wed with smiles beaming throughout the day. I have been photographing their family since their daughter was born nearly three years ago, so it was extra special to photograph their big day for them.
It was lovely working with the following wedding suppliers who all contributed to making this a gorgeous day:
Hair & Make-Up - Abbie Wilkins
Photography - Photography by Abi Moore
Videography - Forever Curious Films
Stationary - Helen Scott Design
Catering - Rachels Event Catering
Music (accoustic) - Lawrence Hill
When is a newborn not a newborn?
When is a newborn not a newborn?
I know... it sounds like a bad joke! However, it's a question I get asked a lot - especially with lots of babies being born in lockdown and missing out on a photoshoot in their first few weeks.
The answer really depends on who you ask: Is it after baby has had their 6-week healthcare check? Maybe after the three month 'fourth trimester'?
If you ask a photographer, we tend to class babies under one month as newborns. Ideally, we would like a baby to be around 1-2 weeks for their newborn photos - anywhere between 5 and 15 days is perfect.
Why is age important when it comes to newborn photoshoots?
When you think of classic newborn photos, you're probably picturing a baby curled up fast asleep. In their first few weeks, babies sleep a lot and that's ideal for this kind of photoshoot (when they're awake they tend to fidget and their eyes are still milky and unfocused).
During a newborn shoot, I'll aim to photograph baby in some natural and gentle poses. Sleepier babies are easier to pose, less likely to be disturbed and tend to remain comfortably in the position. As they get older, they'll fidget more and will be easier to wake when moved.
Whilst that's the ideal, I totally understand that life doesn't always work out that way... maybe you've not got round to booking your shoot, only decided you'd like one after you see how quickly they're growing, or a pandemic has kept us in lockdown for weeks or months on end!
This is what to expect at different ages and the pros and cons of a photoshoot at each stage.
A note about preemies
It's best to take advice from your healthcare team before booking a photoshoot for your premature baby. I'll always ask a few extra questions about their development to ensure they're safe throughout. The guidelines below generally apply at baby's 'corrected' age (their age if they had arrived on their due date).
1-2 weeks old
What to expect: The ideal age for a newborn photoshoot. Most photos will be of your baby asleep with their eyes closed, both on their back and in gentle side and front poses.
Benefits: Curled up sleepy photos that show you just how tiny they once were.
Disadvantages: It's the perfect age, but sometimes life gets in the way! It's rare to get eye contact with the camera at this age.
3-6 weeks old
What to expect: It's still possible to get the classic sleepy photos, but I allow more time to get baby to sleep and settled (the older they are, the longer their waking periods will be).
Benefits: As well as getting some sleepy photos, you're more likely to get some with eyes open looking at the camera. You may even get a little smile from older babies.
Disadvantages: It can take longer to settle baby. Poses where baby is on their side or front become less likely (but not impossible!) as older babies tend to wake more easily.
1½-4 months old
What to expect: This is probably the trickiest age as baby is often not yet holding their head up, but will also be less sleepy. It's not impossible to get sleeping photos but we'll need to allow time and patience (and most will be of baby on their back). If your priority is a few nice photos of baby on their own as well as family and sibling photos, then this is still very achievable at this age.
Benefits: If you've missed the newborn stage, but want to get photos of baby while they're still tiny, then sooner rather than later is better. Eye contact and smiles are getting more likely as baby gets older.
Disadvantages: As baby gets older, sleepy photos are increasingly unlikely. Posing on side and front becomes more difficult.
4-6 months old
What to expect: Baby will have more neck control and able to support their head when held by a parent. As they get stronger, they may be able to hold a seated position with support (this image has mum's arm edited out in Photoshop - a trick I often use with this age!).
Benefits: You'll get a variety of photos of them on their back, sitting supported, as well as on their front if they enjoy tummy time. Eye contact and smiles are very likely and you start to get a real sense of personality!
Disadvantages: Baby is not yet sitting unsupported. You're probably not going to get sleepy photos at this age and they'll easily fight their way out of any swaddles.
6 months+
Once your baby is 6 months old, they're what photographers class as a 'sitter' - able to sit, usually without support, beginning to crawl and usually with loads of smiles and personality on show. Photos are great at any age from this point onwards, you just need to decide which stage of development you want to capture them at. (Side note: there is a benefit to booking a shoot before baby is on the move crawling or walking, as they'll stay where you put them!).
If you've missed the newborn stage for photos, then hopefully this reassures you that you'll get gorgeous photos at any age. The slideshow below shows what you can typically expect at a variety of ages. Please get in touch to book for your baby or for more advice on what to expect at each age.
6 top tips for perfect product photography
One of the questions I'm asked most about brand and product photography is how to style products...
Should we use props or keep it simple? Is using models a good idea to showcase products?
Here I share some tips on styling your products and the benefits and disadvantages of props and models...
1. What's the brief?
When I take on a new brand photography client, I offer a free consultation to discuss your 'brief'. If you're running a new business or still learning marketing jargon, you may wonder what this means. Put simply, it's a conversation that sets out what you'd like from your photography - where you'll be using it, how it fits with your brand and how we'll style your photos. It just ensures that everyone knows what to expect (and is much less daunting than it can sound if you're new to these things!).
2. Visual identity
Professional photography should form a part of your visual brand identity. The majority of brand clients I work with are using the images for their website and Instagram. On both these platforms the images should form a coherent part of your brand.
Primarily we'll consider colours: What colours are in your logo? What is the background colour on your website? Do you have defined brand colours?
You'll also want to consider your brand themes and values - how do you want your viewer to feel when they view your pages or interact with your brand? Do you see your brand as quirky, traditional, natural, or something else entirely?
By answering these questions, we'll ensure your photography fits well with all other elements of your brand and business.
Once we've established a brief and your visual identity, we'll agree how to style your products...
3. The case for keeping it clean
There are a number of reasons why you may prefer to go for a prop-free clean studio backdrop:
- Consistency If you have a large number of products to photograph, by photographing them alone, it ensures consistency throughout all images.
- Simplicity If you are photographing a number of products together or a gift set, a plain background without props avoids adding in additional items and so keeps the focus on the featured products.
- Efficiency It's worth considering if being efficient with time (and therefore costs) is important to you. If you have a large number of products to photograph, it will be quicker to set up each shot with just the products than composing an image styled with props.
You'll then need to choose your studio backdrop. Often plain neutral backdrops are better (I have a good range of neutral whites, creams and greys to photograph on), although for some brands a bright colour may fit well with your visual strategy. Alternatively, you may wish to consider a textured backdrop - you'll find a wealth of these for sale including wood, marble and fabrics.
4. In praise of props
Using props can give your images more of a lifestyle feel or add context to your products.
Some of the most popular props used on Instagram images are fabrics, office tech and stationery, succulents and flowers. However, when adding props it's important to ensure that they enhance your products rather than stealing the limelight. Keep them simple and, again, consider your brand's visual identity; they should complement your values, themes and colours.
Consider props that add context showing your products' natural environment, for example cutlery and kitchenware for food photography, or nursery items for baby products.
5. Location, location, location
When using a studio backdrop (plain or textured), you can shoot anywhere you have space for your kit. When using props, a textured backdrop often works well, particularly for smaller products or flatlays (where you photograph your items directly from above). However, to enhance a lifestyle feel, you may wish to introduce a location.
Locations can range from your own home (often I find clients style their homes in a similar way to their brand and products!), to outdoor spots (using nature if that suits your products, or urban locations for more modern brands), to a specific venue. This could be a local business such as a cafe or hotel, through to location homes that can be rented specifically for photoshoots, or studios with fully built sets.
Renting a studio or location home may be the best option if you are choosing to work with models, which brings me onto my next point.
6. Super models?
When working with clothing and lifestyle brands, I'm often asked if using models to showcase the products is a good idea.
Models can bring your products to life, showing what they'll look like when worn/used; they'll also add emotion and connection to your images. If you take a look at big brand names, almost all use a mix of product shots and modelled shots in their advertising.
However, models add time and cost to your photoshoot. Particularly if working with infants and children, it takes time to coax smiles and get them in the right spot.
I'd always recommend hiring professional models if your budget can stretch to it. Professional models - even children - will be used to taking direction, thereby making your photoshoot run more smoothly. However, many of my clients are small brands and if you don't have the budget for models, asking friends or advertising for volunteers can work as a compromise, but be aware that it can take longer to get the shots you're after.
Whether you're taking your own product shots or looking to hire a professional photographer, I hope these tips help you with getting amazing photos that reflect your brand. You can see more examples of my work below and in my commercial gallery. Prices for commercial photography can be found here, and please do get in contact for a free consultation to discuss how professional brand photography can take your business to the next level.
